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Damari: A Wind Sketcher Saga Fairy-tale
“A vivid, emotionally resonant fairytale that explores the meaning of leadership and the beauty that lies, not in appearances, but in courage, sacrifice, and love for one’s people.”
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Kind-hearted, dedicated and yes… beautiful. Damari is everything a Princess should be. Her father’s treasure and first in line, Damari’s one dream, to make her people proud.
She dotes on her little city of ValleyShade—and her people? They cherish her in return.
Until that day... when she catches the unwanted attention of two terrible and meddlesome Kings; her father’s rivals; famed for their greed and cruelty, but never their wit. They seek to claim her has their own, as “payment” for her fathers “crimes.”
Thrusting her beloved city into a wind-storm of danger, plagues and fire.
Damari trapped, watches from her tower, as wave after wave, a sea of danger breaks down their meagre defences.
Stripping away their freedom, their power and their hope.
Begging her to take a stand, Forcing her to answer...
What would she give... to save them all?
_____________________________________________________
Kind-hearted, dedicated and yes… beautiful. Damari is everything a Princess should be. Her father’s treasure and first in line, Damari’s one dream, to make her people proud.
She dotes on her little city of ValleyShade—and her people? They cherish her in return.
Until that day... when she catches the unwanted attention of two terrible and meddlesome Kings; her father’s rivals; famed for their greed and cruelty, but never their wit. They seek to claim her has their own, as “payment” for her fathers “crimes.”
Thrusting her beloved city into a wind-storm of danger, plagues and fire.
Damari trapped, watches from her tower, as wave after wave, a sea of danger breaks down their meagre defences.
Stripping away their freedom, their power and their hope.
Begging her to take a stand, Forcing her to answer...
What would she give... to save them all?
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 12, 2026
Finding a fairy tale you haven't read before is hard. Look no further though because it is right here. This original, unique, tale has complex choices that are not easlily made. Characters you will sympathize with and that will stay with you.
This can be read on so many different levels. They build this stoery with so many layers in a brillant way using just the right words and just the right timing.
I couldn't wait for this to come out and now that it is here I had to jump on it as soon as I could. I am excited to read more from this author!
This can be read on so many different levels. They build this stoery with so many layers in a brillant way using just the right words and just the right timing.
I couldn't wait for this to come out and now that it is here I had to jump on it as soon as I could. I am excited to read more from this author!
August 31, 2026
This book plays by its own rules from the very beginning and I love it. It’s a refreshing story with an old world feel. There’s a sense of something vast moving beneath the surface, something ancient and dangerous, and Selkin lets that presence haunt the edges of the narrative without ever overwhelming it.
By the final chapters, the emotional payoff is strong, the character arcs feel complete, and the lingering questions make you hungry for whatever comes next.
Overall this is a gripping atmospheric fantasy filled with so much heart! Definitely worth checking out!
By the final chapters, the emotional payoff is strong, the character arcs feel complete, and the lingering questions make you hungry for whatever comes next.
Overall this is a gripping atmospheric fantasy filled with so much heart! Definitely worth checking out!
July 27, 2026
A classically beautiful tale!
A lovely fairytale rendered in lush language carrying the genre with conviction and grace. A recommended short read for anyone who enjoys a good story well told.
A lovely fairytale rendered in lush language carrying the genre with conviction and grace. A recommended short read for anyone who enjoys a good story well told.
July 14, 2026
Damari is a beautifully written fairytale that balances whimsy with surprising emotional depth. Beneath its lyrical prose is a story about identity, insecurity and finding the strength to face both the struggles within yourself and those imposed by others.
The world-building is subtle but fascinating. Even something as simple as the titles used, such as Princess, carries its own meaning and adds another layer to the fantasy setting.
Though it's a short story and can easily be read in a day, it never feels rushed. I initially read a chapter at a time, but once I had the chance, I finished the rest in less than twenty-four hours.
If you enjoy lyrical fantasy, thoughtful themes and original fairy tales, Damari is well worth reading. It proves you don't need hundreds of pages to leave a lasting impression.
The world-building is subtle but fascinating. Even something as simple as the titles used, such as Princess, carries its own meaning and adds another layer to the fantasy setting.
Though it's a short story and can easily be read in a day, it never feels rushed. I initially read a chapter at a time, but once I had the chance, I finished the rest in less than twenty-four hours.
If you enjoy lyrical fantasy, thoughtful themes and original fairy tales, Damari is well worth reading. It proves you don't need hundreds of pages to leave a lasting impression.
August 10, 2026
Damari by Kyloh Selkin is a captivating, compelling, and remarkably clever fairy-tale rendition. The story is told exactly how fairy tales should be told. Kyloh writes Damari the way you would verbally tell a fairy tale to a little one at bedtime. To convey that kind of power through the written word is a testament to his gift as a writer. The tone and writing style remain consistent throughout the story, creating that almost timeless feeling you expect from a fairy tale.
Damari is told through one of the main characters from Kyloh’s upcoming main series, Makaidah of The Wind Sketcher Series. In this novella, Damari, who is also the main character, almost feels like The Beauty and The Beast rolled into a single character rather than two separate roles. There is a fascinating fluidity to the way Damari moves through those traditionally opposing archetypes.
I also really enjoyed the explanation of titles and how they differ from their traditional usage, along with gender fluidity. This was one of the most clever elements of the novella for me. It is easy to take a fairy tale and reinvent it. That is a tale as old as time itself. It is much less common to take the individual pieces that make up a fairy tale, examine what they mean, and then rebuild them into something entirely new. Damari does exactly that, and the result feels familiar enough to satisfy the part of you that loves fairy tales while still offering something you haven't quite encountered before.
This book begins with probably one of my favorite opening lines to date:
“All stories should start with a princess—for their purity of course, for their potential.
Kyloh Selkin, you are most certainly correct. All stories should start with a princess. I suppose I've always been rather fond of that particular rule.
The Ellindairh introduction is such an amazing chapter. I instantly wanted more of this character, and it left me wondering just how much these fairy tales, both Damari and the ones to come, will weave into the larger world of The Wind Sketcher Series. I am genuinely intrigued to see how these stories connect to the larger realm. My only complaint is that I would have preferred to read Damari as a full-length novel because I simply wasn't ready to leave this world yet.
The cover art is another piece of this book that I absolutely love. The rich coloring and intricate details immediately draw you in, but it is the way the cover transforms after you've finished the story that makes it so special. Read the last line, close the book, and look at the cover again. Suddenly, the symbolism hits differently.
And perhaps that feeling was even more pronounced for me because this was my second reading of Damari. Knowing where the story ultimately takes you changes the way you see what came before it. Details that may have simply been beautiful or intriguing the first time suddenly carry a little more weight. I love when a story can do that, when knowing the ending doesn't diminish the journey but instead gives everything that came before it a little more meaning.
There are so many themes and emotions woven throughout this novella that I could go on and on about them, but honestly, I think that would take away from what makes this book special. This isn't the kind of story I want to dissect piece by piece.
This is the kind of book you pick up when you want to venture into something special and unique. The kind of book you want to be able to say you discovered early and were there from the beginning of the fandom.
Damari is told through one of the main characters from Kyloh’s upcoming main series, Makaidah of The Wind Sketcher Series. In this novella, Damari, who is also the main character, almost feels like The Beauty and The Beast rolled into a single character rather than two separate roles. There is a fascinating fluidity to the way Damari moves through those traditionally opposing archetypes.
I also really enjoyed the explanation of titles and how they differ from their traditional usage, along with gender fluidity. This was one of the most clever elements of the novella for me. It is easy to take a fairy tale and reinvent it. That is a tale as old as time itself. It is much less common to take the individual pieces that make up a fairy tale, examine what they mean, and then rebuild them into something entirely new. Damari does exactly that, and the result feels familiar enough to satisfy the part of you that loves fairy tales while still offering something you haven't quite encountered before.
This book begins with probably one of my favorite opening lines to date:
“All stories should start with a princess—for their purity of course, for their potential.
Kyloh Selkin, you are most certainly correct. All stories should start with a princess. I suppose I've always been rather fond of that particular rule.
The Ellindairh introduction is such an amazing chapter. I instantly wanted more of this character, and it left me wondering just how much these fairy tales, both Damari and the ones to come, will weave into the larger world of The Wind Sketcher Series. I am genuinely intrigued to see how these stories connect to the larger realm. My only complaint is that I would have preferred to read Damari as a full-length novel because I simply wasn't ready to leave this world yet.
The cover art is another piece of this book that I absolutely love. The rich coloring and intricate details immediately draw you in, but it is the way the cover transforms after you've finished the story that makes it so special. Read the last line, close the book, and look at the cover again. Suddenly, the symbolism hits differently.
And perhaps that feeling was even more pronounced for me because this was my second reading of Damari. Knowing where the story ultimately takes you changes the way you see what came before it. Details that may have simply been beautiful or intriguing the first time suddenly carry a little more weight. I love when a story can do that, when knowing the ending doesn't diminish the journey but instead gives everything that came before it a little more meaning.
There are so many themes and emotions woven throughout this novella that I could go on and on about them, but honestly, I think that would take away from what makes this book special. This isn't the kind of story I want to dissect piece by piece.
This is the kind of book you pick up when you want to venture into something special and unique. The kind of book you want to be able to say you discovered early and were there from the beginning of the fandom.
August 5, 2026
A beautiful lyrical fairy tale that stole my heart
Damari is a breathtaking fairy tale that deserves a place on every fantasy lover's bookshelf. Kyloh Selkin has crafted a story that feels both timeless and refreshingly unique, with lyrical prose that pulls you effortlessly into its enchanting world.
Though it's a short tale, it never feels rushed. Every page is purposeful, allowing the story and its characters to breathe while exploring powerful themes of identity, beauty, sacrifice, and the weight of protecting those who depend on the protagonist. The choices Damari is forced to make are both heartbreaking and inspiring, making her journey one that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Let's talk about that ending. My heart was torn in the best way. I was both heartbroken and incredibly happy at the same time, which is no easy feat for an author to accomplish. It was emotional, satisfying, and left me eager to discover what the author has planned next.
If you're looking for a fairy tale that is beautifully written, emotionally rich, and unlike anything else you've read, Damari is one I wholeheartedly recommend. I cannot wait to continue this series!
Damari is a breathtaking fairy tale that deserves a place on every fantasy lover's bookshelf. Kyloh Selkin has crafted a story that feels both timeless and refreshingly unique, with lyrical prose that pulls you effortlessly into its enchanting world.
Though it's a short tale, it never feels rushed. Every page is purposeful, allowing the story and its characters to breathe while exploring powerful themes of identity, beauty, sacrifice, and the weight of protecting those who depend on the protagonist. The choices Damari is forced to make are both heartbreaking and inspiring, making her journey one that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Let's talk about that ending. My heart was torn in the best way. I was both heartbroken and incredibly happy at the same time, which is no easy feat for an author to accomplish. It was emotional, satisfying, and left me eager to discover what the author has planned next.
If you're looking for a fairy tale that is beautifully written, emotionally rich, and unlike anything else you've read, Damari is one I wholeheartedly recommend. I cannot wait to continue this series!
August 23, 2026
A Fairy Tale That Trusts Its Form
“Damari” possesses rare confidence. It trusts the fairy-tale form to carry real emotional weight, resisting melodrama in favor of exploring leadership's slow arithmetic. What those in power owe their people.
Selkin's measured, oral-storytelling voice makes “Damari” feel genuinely mythic rather than borrowed fantasy. The enigmatic Ellindairh raises questions about appearance and truth with admirable restraint.
The novel prioritizes interiority over spectacle, exploring quiet courage and sacrifice as daily practice. Selkin is invested in cost, not triumph.
Its compactness cuts both ways. The swift pacing serves the form, yet left me hungry for deeper exploration of ValleyShade's politics and Ellindairh's larger story.
“Damari” asks hard questions without padding itself. Essential for readers seeking fairy-tale retellings with real stakes and intelligence.
“Damari” possesses rare confidence. It trusts the fairy-tale form to carry real emotional weight, resisting melodrama in favor of exploring leadership's slow arithmetic. What those in power owe their people.
Selkin's measured, oral-storytelling voice makes “Damari” feel genuinely mythic rather than borrowed fantasy. The enigmatic Ellindairh raises questions about appearance and truth with admirable restraint.
The novel prioritizes interiority over spectacle, exploring quiet courage and sacrifice as daily practice. Selkin is invested in cost, not triumph.
Its compactness cuts both ways. The swift pacing serves the form, yet left me hungry for deeper exploration of ValleyShade's politics and Ellindairh's larger story.
“Damari” asks hard questions without padding itself. Essential for readers seeking fairy-tale retellings with real stakes and intelligence.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a short fairytale of surprising depth. It is original and turns many ideas about popular fairytales on their heads, but not in a gimicky way.
Kyloh Selkin's lyrical prose will draw you in. The protagonist must make a difficult choice, which is misunderstood by many. I think this is something a lot of people can relate to but that doesn't often get addressed in stories. The ironic portrayal of political drama had me chuckling as well.
The brilliance of this story is that it can definitely be read as simple entertainment alone, but for anyone who likes to contemplate more complex thoughts, there is room for that as well. The grey area between right and wrong, the complexities of family and duty, with just the right amount of whimsy to keep things light.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Kyloh Selkin's lyrical prose will draw you in. The protagonist must make a difficult choice, which is misunderstood by many. I think this is something a lot of people can relate to but that doesn't often get addressed in stories. The ironic portrayal of political drama had me chuckling as well.
The brilliance of this story is that it can definitely be read as simple entertainment alone, but for anyone who likes to contemplate more complex thoughts, there is room for that as well. The grey area between right and wrong, the complexities of family and duty, with just the right amount of whimsy to keep things light.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 12, 2026
I sought out this wonderful book after coming across some artwork by the author online and was quite intrigued.
I was not disappointed. This fairytale is far from quaint, it is beautiful, brutal and alive.
It felt as if it was a tale told by a character in a far wider fantasy world, of which I would love to know more about. This story has so much to offer even giving me goosebumps at times.
To me, Damari is beautifully written, full of poetically driven, lyrical verse.
I will admit I am a simple bloke and sometimes I had to trail back, so engrossed I was with the beautifully written words, that I had slipped over the narrative within. By no means is what happens hidden, I simply became lost in words of radiance as if focused so intently on the storyteller who sat beside me at the campfire.
I was not disappointed. This fairytale is far from quaint, it is beautiful, brutal and alive.
It felt as if it was a tale told by a character in a far wider fantasy world, of which I would love to know more about. This story has so much to offer even giving me goosebumps at times.
To me, Damari is beautifully written, full of poetically driven, lyrical verse.
I will admit I am a simple bloke and sometimes I had to trail back, so engrossed I was with the beautifully written words, that I had slipped over the narrative within. By no means is what happens hidden, I simply became lost in words of radiance as if focused so intently on the storyteller who sat beside me at the campfire.
August 22, 2026
This was a fascinating tale of loyalty and hardship. I enjoyed the descriptions within this short story, as well as the overall message of morality and goodness.
I did find the narration style to be a little different, making it a little harder for me to stay engaged with the story. But overall, it’s a quick read with potential for more lore in the future.
I did find the narration style to be a little different, making it a little harder for me to stay engaged with the story. But overall, it’s a quick read with potential for more lore in the future.
August 12, 2026
3.5 - 5⭐ Ending with 5⭐
There are so many layers to this short read, that I have to layer my review to match.
5⭐This magical world brings a depth with it that I was unprepared for. While we all struggle in our own way, it brings to light that even though we know how we feel, others might not understand. The MCs journey to finding themselves, being "cast out" in a sense, but still being there for those they love. The writing is almost perfect. The cover works with what the tale brings.
3.5⭐ My personal opinion. Make sure to follow the "information" provided in the beginning. Titles that are used might not be what you are used to. And at times can be confusing as to where everyone is and what their role within the story portrays. While it is a little distracting, it is quickly overlooked by the tale that is being weaved.
There are so many layers to this short read, that I have to layer my review to match.
5⭐This magical world brings a depth with it that I was unprepared for. While we all struggle in our own way, it brings to light that even though we know how we feel, others might not understand. The MCs journey to finding themselves, being "cast out" in a sense, but still being there for those they love. The writing is almost perfect. The cover works with what the tale brings.
3.5⭐ My personal opinion. Make sure to follow the "information" provided in the beginning. Titles that are used might not be what you are used to. And at times can be confusing as to where everyone is and what their role within the story portrays. While it is a little distracting, it is quickly overlooked by the tale that is being weaved.
August 16, 2026
I absolutely loved this unique fairytale! The prose was lovely and the characters had depth. And I was definitely not prepared for the heartbreak that awaited me. I loved it and would read again~
August 29, 2026
Beautiful
The story telling is breath taking. Very satisfying and looking forward to see where this tale goes. Highly recommend it!
The story telling is breath taking. Very satisfying and looking forward to see where this tale goes. Highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews